PVThin, formed under Belgian laws (but claiming it will "register in all relevant government lists"), aims to "champion the role of thin-film PV and communicate the unique technological, environmental and socio-economic aspects of this cost effective and environmentally friendly solar technology," according to Andreas Wade, president of PVThin, in a statement. The group cites figures that thin-film technologies make up about 18 percent of global PV sales, up from "almost nothing a decade ago." Founding members include Abound Solar, Arendi, Calyxo, First Solar, GE Energy and 5N Plus.